I'll Always Love You.

Hermione Granger walked off the Hogwarts Express and smiled up at the castle in front of her. She never thought she’d see this place again but here she was , even though she wasn’t willing at first. She could still remember the way her heart sank when Harry and Ron asked her to go back to Hogwarts. Not only did they know her guiltiest pleasure was studying, but they also wanted her to keep an eye on the others and hopefully find Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem. Hermione knew this could help them defeat Voldemort faster so she kissed them on the cheek, said goodbye and apparated to Platform Nine and Three Quarters without a second thought.

“Hermione!”

She turned to the voice and grinned as Hagrid engulfed her in a hug.

“I didn’t know you were coming back,” he said and pulled away with a soft smile.

Hermione laughed, “Neither did I but Harry and Ron thought it was best.”

“They’re doing well I hope,” Hagrid’s forehead crinkled from worry.

“They’ll be okay,” she smiled from the pride she felt. “I have faith in both of them.”

Hagrid nodded and placed a hand on her shoulder,” Me too Hermione, Me too.”

She gave him one last hug and said goodbye then walked towards the carriages.

“Oh and Hermione?”

She turned around as a couple of first years walked passed with scared looks.

“I must tell you something,” he began and looked at her with concern, “someone else—“

Hagrid was interrupted as a rush of students pushed him towards the front of the train. With a raised eyebrow, Hermione shrugged and continued her way towards Hogwarts. As she jumped on the carriage and sat down with other students, she couldn’t help but wonder about this someone Hagrid was talking about.

With a shake of her head, Hermione ignored the nagging feeling and looked around at the other people, only to realize she didn’t recognize a single soul. It made her feel like the odd one out.

I just hope Ginny is here, she thought as the woods they traveled through broke a part to reveal the place she called home.

She climbed down when her transportation came to a stop and followed the rest of the crowd inside.
Within seconds, she was left standing in the Great Hall doorway with a grin. It was just liked she remembered from the four long tables that were laid with golden goblets and plates to the front of the room where the teachers sat. Hermione looked up at the ceiling and smiled, thinking about the day she first met Harry and Ron.

I guess I could’ve been less of a snob, she thought and laughed to herself.

She went to walk towards the Gryffindor table with someone forced her into the wall with a hug. Catching a glimpse of familiar red hair and Dean standing in front of them, Hermione grinned and wrapped her arms around Ginny.

“Hey Gin,” she said as her friend pulled back with tears in her eyes. “Why are you crying?”

Ginny wiped her face as Dean came over to rub her arm, “When mum told me what you three were doing, I got scared because I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye then that made me upset knowing I’d probably never see you again.”

“I’m sorry Ginny,” Hermione hugged her once more. “We just thought it be easier for everyone if we just left. Your mom only found us because she was in the kitchen when we tried to leave.”

Ginny nodded and smiled, “At least you’re here now,” she frowned after a couple of seconds, “Why are you here?”

“Ron and Harry thought it be better for me if I came back.”

The lie rolled smoothly off her tongue. Well, it wasn’t really a lie as some of it was true. Needless to say, Hermione didn’t tell them the whole truth because she thought it be best if they never knew encase Voldemort came back. They’d be free from his torture.

“How are my brother and Harry doing?” Ginny’s cheeks darken from mentioning her crush and Hermione couldn’t help but smile.

“Are they okay?” Neville Longbottom came up from behind Dean and greeted Hermione with a hug.

“Hello Neville,” she said then looked at everyone. “They’re alive and well.”

Everyone released the breath they were holding as Ginny grabbed her hand with a smile, “I’m glad you’re here.”

Hermione smiled back, “me too.

With one last hug from everyone, Ginny pulled her over to their table to enjoy the feast. Hermione spent the next two hours enjoying the company of her friends and the laughs they brought, until a small yawn broke through her lips. After saying she was tired and going to bed, she said goodbye and walked out of the Great Hall. She stopped to look at the portraits that lined the hallway then turned to head in the direction of the Gryffindor Tower, only to smack into someone.

“I’m sor—“

She stopped short as Draco Malfoy stared down at her and grabbed her arm to make sure she didn’t fall. They looked at each other for a couple of minutes until he took a step back.

“Granger,” he greeted with a nod then turned away to walk towards the dungeons.

“I think I found Hagrid’s someone,” Hermione said to herself with a shocked expression.